England

It's all about momentum for England after their impressive summerperformances in South Africa. Had it not been for a cock-eyed video refereethey would have celebrated a 2-0 series win over the Springboks rather thandrawn series.

The momentum, of course, is towards the Six NationsTournament in the Spring but almost as important is to put down a markerfor the 2003 World Cup against world champions Australia, the Springboksand the ever-improving Pumas on successive Saturdays.England, who now play the expansive 'Total' rugby required at the pinnacleof the game, have a good competitive blend of youth and experience with acrop of highly talented youngsters pushing the men in possession.

Englandhave finally created a conveyor belt of talent similar to the Wallabies,who always seem to have been able to slot in young players during the pastdecade.

Nothing is left to chance as far as preparation is concerned and coachClive Woodward also has the benefit of a harmonious squad.To be honest, there has never been a better time to beat the Wallabies who,because of retirements and injuries, have arrived without half theirCup-winning team. But the Aussies never put out a bad team and the lasttime England beat them, apart from Newlands when Rob Andrew landed hisfamous drop-kick, was Will Carling's debut as captain in 1988.

The Springboks, too, are in experimental mode under new coach HarryViljoen but the fear for England is that they are notoriously slow startersand there have been signs in club games that key players have not been attheir best as a result of the short rest they were given between returningfrom South Africa and the early start to the Zurich Premiership.

Twickenham is hard place for visiting teams to win but England's playerswill have to step up their game from the first whistle at 3pm on November18.

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